Where Milan stand with Mateta heading into final hours of January transfer window

Milan are still yet to make a final decision on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta heading into the final hours of the January transfer window, but the Rossoneri are still hoping to get the deal over the line according to the latest updates. 

According to reports over the weekend, Milan and Crystal Palace have agreed a fee in excess of €30m for France international Mateta, who has eight Premier League goals to his name from 23 outings this term. 

The Frenchman was not called up to Oliver Glasner’s squad for Sunday’s 1-1 draw between Palace and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League as a result of the transfer dealings. 

Palace have also secured an agreement for Mateta’s replacement: Jorgen Strand Larsen, who is expected to cost just shy of €50m from Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

That meant that Crystal Palace gave their approval for Mateta to have his medical with Milan, but that is where further issues have arisen. 

According to reports from various outlets on Sunday, an issue regarding Mateta’s knee has arisen during his medical test, which has left Milan wanting further diagnostic tests before proceeding with the transfer. 

It is a situation similar to the one involving Victor Boniface in the summer. The Nigeria international arrived in Italy for medicals with the Rossoneri over the summer, but was later told to return home after fears relating to his medical history, specifically regarding his previous knee injuries. 

According to the latest updates, Milan have sent their own medical staff over to inspect the issue involving Mateta’s knee, and further updates are expected to arrive later on Monday.

There have also been suggestions that Juventus, who are also on the hunt for a new striker on deadline day, could also be poised to make a move for Mateta in the final stages of the window. The Bianconeri are said to be interested in a loan with a potential obligation to buy.